CANCER patient Sara Cutting is taking on a tough new challenge as she prepares to take part in the Brighton Half Marathon.

The 46-year-old has just come to the end of a gruelling chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

In October she set herself the Daily Headgear Challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, which involved her wearing a different hat or headpiece every day during her treatment and posting a picture online.

She had originally intended to finish the campaign when she took part in the half marathon but it has proved so successful, she has decided to keep going for a year.

Ms Cutting, who lives in Brighton’s North Laine, said: “I will be walking the half marathon course and wearing a specially made hat and outfit for it.

“I will be at the back but this is not about where I finish, it is about me taking part and getting on to the course.”

The hat project has been growing in popularity, with Ms Cutting being inundated with ones to use, as well as coming up with her own unusual designs.

She even went up to London yesterday to pick up a hat specially made for her by top milliner and designer Philip Treacy.

Ms Cutting said: “This has all been escalating rather than diminishing. I was so thrilled when Philip Treacy agreed to do one for me.

“I’ve been trying to follow themes such as Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day and have plans for St Patrick’s Day, Easter and so on.

“The most important reason for carrying on is to raise awareness of cancer and to warn women about making regular checks and being aware of the signs of breast cancer.

“It is also about raising money for the important work Macmillan does. I have more than £7,000 so far and I’m hoping to reach £10,000.

“The chemotherapy is over and I start a few weeks of radiotherapy in March so the half marathon has come at a very good time.”

All money raised will go towards the cost of the charity’s new cancer centre, which is being built next to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Any donations can be made via justgiving.com/chemosnoodhead

Fit grandad to do half marathon on eightieth birthday

A GRANDFATHER will be running the Brighton Half Marathon on his 80th birthday.

George Frogley has been designated the number 80 which would usually see him line up alongside the elite field.

But he admits he'll probably be dropping himself back to run alongside his daughter Helen, 39.

Both have been clocking up the miles, and Mr Frogley said it was tough keeping up the pace.

He said: “Well, I’m still above ground. It’s never easy, but I’m out three times a week and I’ve done a 10 mile run this week.

“I try and get through about 26 miles a week. The park runs have helped a lot. They’ve been my saviour and I think they’re absolutely marvellous.”

It wasn’t until he was in his 50s that he caught the fitness bug.

He added: “When I found out the Brighton Half Marathon was on my birthday I told myself: “I have to do that, even if it kills me”. It was as simple as that.”

Mr Frogley is also attempting the London to Brighton Bike Ride, Great North Run and Great South Run this year.